[StBernard] 2010-2011 oyster season delayed for public oyster seed grounds east of the Mississippi River and in Hackberry Bay

[Westley Annis]

2010-2011 oyster season delayed for public oyster seed grounds east of the
Mississippi River and in Hackberry Bay 

 

The 2010-2011 oyster season for public oyster seed grounds east of the
Mississippi River and in Hackberry Bay was delayed by the Louisiana Wildlife
and Fisheries Commission in an effort to protect and enrich oysters for
future harvest. These public oyster areas were originally scheduled to open
on November 15, 2010. 

 

LDWF biologists said that biological data gathered indicates the presence of
a recent reproductive event in some areas east of the Mississippi River.
This has resulted in the presence of significant numbers of oyster spat
(young oysters less than one inch in length). Harvest in these areas was
postponed to allow these juvenile oysters appropriate time to mature and
become viable for future harvests. 

 

Significant oyster mortalities were also documented during biological
sampling in some areas which has further decreased an already reduced oyster
resource. The commission took action to delay the season in order to protect
and conserve the remaining oyster resources located in these areas. The
public grounds east of the Mississippi River contribute approximately 28
percent of all oyster harvest in Louisiana on an annual basis.

 

The commission authorized Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries'
Secretary Robert J. Barham to take emergency action to reopen areas
previously closed if the threat to the resource has ended and to open areas
if substantial oyster resources are located.

 

Public notice of any opening, delay, or closure of a season will be provided
at least 72 hours prior to such action, unless such closure is ordered by
the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals for public health concerns.

 

"There is a difficult balance between protecting the long term interests of
our commercial fishermen and their immediate place in the seafood market,"
St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro said. "I applaud the commission
and the Oyster Task Force members for their continued dialogue to do what is
right for the fishermen and the state of Louisiana."